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3. Develop and promote farming technologies and practices that have conservation benefits

4. (e.g., cover crops, no-till)5. Reducelossoffishandwildlifehabitats(duetoagriculture,urbansprawl,

commercial6. development, etc.)7. DevelopeducationprogramsspecificallyforK-128. Restore habitats and natural systems in wetlands9. Increase compliance of existing rules and regulations for aquatic systems.10. Promote diversity in wetlands11. Preserve currently existing corridors12. Acquire conservation easements to protect important wildlife habitats

E. INTERIOR PLATEAU REGION

Figure 6-21. Outline of the Interior Plateau Region in Indiana.

G r e a t L a k e s

K a n k a k e e

C o r n B e l t

V a l l e y s a n d H i l l s

I n t e r i o r P l a t e a u

D r i f t P l a i n s

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Introduction This section summarizes habitat conditions, threats to SGCN and their habitats, and conservation actions for species and habitats in the Interior Plateau Region. This section also reviews land cover changes over the past decade and identifies unique habitat types in this region. Summaries of threats to and conservation actions for SGCN and their habitats that were generated from two surveys can be found at the end of this section.

In addition to the threats and actions identified in the Habitat Survey and the Species Survey, the DFW recognized the need to identify threats aligned with specific actions. Several threats and actions were identified as ubiquitous across all six regions. These include:

• Habitat Loss: Develop and promote farming technologies and practices that have conservation benefits (e.g., cover crops, no-till).

• Invasive Species: Build external capacity (form and facilitate partnerships, alliances, and networks of organizations to address invasive species).

• Law and Policy: Develop, change, influence and help implement formal legislation, regulations and voluntary standards.

• Dams and Water Management and Use: Remove unnecessary dams and utilize necessary dams with effective fish passage structures.

The DFW also identified specific threats and actions for each SWAP region based on DFW priorities. These threats were identified due to their high level of relevancy to the specific region and the workability of the associated actions. These threats and actions for the Great Lakes Region include:

• Habitat Degradation to Karsts: Restricting access.

• Education of landowners (e.g. sewer, trash, and recreational users)

• Acquiring and managing lands to buffer karst features

• Habitat Loss of Early Successional Forest: Land management (e.g. timber cutting, fire, girdling, and mechanical and chemical treatments).

• Habitat Degradation to Forests: Controlling problematic native wildlife

• Land management (e.g. timber cutting, fire, girdling, and mechanical and chemical treatments).

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Current Habitat Conditions During the Species Survey, respondents were asked to identify SGCN within the Interior Plateau Region. A full summary of the Species Survey results can be found in Appendix P.

Table 6-13: Distribution of SGCN across the Interior Plateau Region.

Taxa Scientific Name Common Name

Birds Grus americana Whooping Crane1

Birds Grus canadensis Sandhill Crane2

Birds Ardea alba Great Egret3

Birds Botaurus lentiginosus American Bittern

Birds Ixobrychus exilis Least Bittern

Birds Nyctanassa violacea Yellow-crowned Night-heron

Birds Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night-heron

Birds Antrostomus vociferus Eastern Whip-poor-will

Birds Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk

Birds Gallinula galeata Common Gallinule

Birds Rallus elegans King Rail

Birds Accipiter striatus Sharp-shinned Hawk

Birds Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl

Birds Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Hawk

Birds Buteo platypterus Broad-winged Hawk

Birds Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier

Birds Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon

Birds Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle

Birds Ictinia mississippiensis Mississippi Kite

Birds Pandion haliaetus Osprey

Birds Tyto alba Barn Owl

Birds Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone

Birds Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper

Birds Calidris subruficollis Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Birds Charadrius melodus Piping Plover

Birds Limnodromus griseus Short-billed Dowitcher

Birds Phalaropus tricolor Wilson’s Phalarope

Birds Pluvialis dominica American Golden-Plover

Birds Tringa melanoleuca Greater Yellowlegs

Birds Tringa solitaria Solitary Sandpiper

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Taxa Scientific Name Common Name

Birds Ammodramus henslowii Henslow’s Sparrow

Birds Cistothorus palustris Marsh Wren

Birds Cistothorus platensis Sedge Wren

Birds Helmitheros vermivorum Worm-eating Warbler

Birds Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike

Birds Mniotilta varia Black-and-white Warbler

Birds Setophaga cerulea Cerulean Warbler

Birds Setophaga citrina Hooded Warbler

Birds Sturnella neglecta Western Meadowlark

Birds Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-winged Warbler

Birds Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Yellow-headed Blackbird4

Birds Chlidonias niger Black Tern

Birds Sternula antillarum athalassos Interior Least Tern

Birds Cygnus buccinator Trumpeter Swan

Mammals Corynorhinus rafinesquii Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat

Mammals Lasionycteris noctivagans Silver-haired Bat

Mammals Lasiurus borealis Eastern Red Bat

Mammals Lasiurus cinereus Hoary Bat

Mammals Myotis austroriparius Southeastern Myotis

Mammals Myotis grisescens Gray Myotis

Mammals Myotis leibii Eastern Small-footed Myotis

Mammals Myotis lucifugus Little Brown Myotis

Mammals Myotis septentrionalis Northern Long-eared Myotis

Mammals Myotis sodalis Indiana Myotis

Mammals Nycticeius humeralis Evening Bat

Mammals Perimyotis subflavus Tri-colored Bat

Mammals Mustela nivalis Least Weasel

Mammals Taxidea taxus American Badger

Mammals Neotoma magister Allegheny Woodrat

Mammals Sorex fumeus Smoky Shrew

Mammals Sorex hoyi American Pygmy Shrew

Amphibians Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Hellbender

Amphibians Necturus maculosus Common Mudpuppy

Amphibians Acris crepitans Northern Cricket Frog

Amphibians Scaphiopus holbrookii Eastern Spadefoot

Amphibians Ambystoma barbouri Streamside Salamander

Amphibians Aneides aeneus Green Salamander

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Taxa Scientific Name Common Name

Amphibians Hemidactylium scutatum Four-toed Salamander

Amphibians Pseudotriton ruber Red Salamander

Reptiles Agkistrodon piscivorus Cottonmouth

Reptiles Cemophora coccinea Scarletsnake

Reptiles Clonophis kirtlandii Kirtland’s Snake6

Reptiles Crotalus horridus Timber Rattlesnake

Reptiles Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta Copper-bellied Watersnake

Reptiles Opheodrys aestivus Rough Greensnake

Reptiles Tantilla coronata Southeastern Crowned Snake

Reptiles Thamnophis proximus Western Ribbonsnake

Reptiles Macrochelys temminckii Alligator Snapping Turtle

Reptiles Pseudemys concinna River Cooter

Reptiles Terrapene carolina Eastern Box Turtle

Fish Hybopsis amnis Pallid Shiner

Fish Noturus stigmosus Northern Madtom

Fish Amblyopsis hoosieri Hoosier Cavefish

Fish Ammocrypta clara Western Sand Darter

Fish Etheostoma maculatum Spotted Darter

Fish Etheostoma tippecanoe Tippecanoe Darter

Fish Percina copelandi Channel Darter

Fish Acipenser fulvescens Lake Sturgeon

Mollusks Cyprogenia stegaria Fanshell

Mollusks Lampsilis fasciola Wavyrayed Lampmussel

Mollusks Obovaria subrotunda Round Hickorynut

Mollusks Plethobasus cyphyus Sheepnose

Mollusks Pleurobema cordatum Ohio Pigtoe

Mollusks Pleurobema plenum Rough Pigtoe

Mollusks Ptychobranchus fasciolaris Kidneyshell

Mollusks Simpsonaias ambigua Salamander Mussel

Mollusks Villosa lienosa Little Spectaclecase

During the Habitat Survey, respondents were asked to evaluate the overall quality of fish and wildlife habitats in the Interior Plateau Region (Fig. 6-22), estimate changes in overall quality since 2005 (Fig. 6-23), and predict changes in overall quality over the next ten years (Fig. 6-24). Each respondent was asked to respond for one or more of the eight major habitat types within the region and results were aggregated at the regional level. A full list of the Habitat Survey results can be found in Appendix Q. 

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Figure 6-22. Overall quality of fish and wildlife habitats in the Interior Plateau Region.

S a t i s f a c t o r y

G o o d

V e r y G o o d

I D o n ’ t K n o w

V e r y P o o r

P o o r

Agricultural Lands

Developed Lands

Wetlands

Aquatic Systems

Forests Grasslands

Barren Lands

Subterranean Systems

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Figure 6-23. Estimated change in the overall quality of fish and wildlife habitats since 2005 for each of the major habitat types in the Interior Plateau Region.

R e m a i n e d t h e S a m e

I n c r e a s e dD e c r e a s e d

OVERALL

41.2%

48.1%

57.2%

38.1%

76%

40%

50%

43.8%

52.3%

44.4%

55.6%63.6%

50%

40%

61.5%60%

40%

Agricultural Lands

Developed Lands

Wetlands

Aquatic Systems

Forests

Grasslands

Barren Lands

Subterranean Systems

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Figure 6-24. Predicted changes in overall quality of fish and wildlife habitats over the next ten years for each major habitat type in the Interior Plateau Region.

R e m a i n e d t h e S a m e

I n c r e a s e dD e c r e a s e d

OVERALL

40%

41.2%

48.1%

39.6%

49.6%

60%

43.8%

50%

48.9%

66.7%63.6%

40%

50%46.2%

46.2%

40%

50%

Agricultural Lands

Developed Lands

Wetlands

Aquatic Systems

Forests

Grasslands

Barren Lands

Subterranean Systems

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Changes in Land CoverUnlike other regions of the state dominated by agriculture, most land cover in the Interior Plateau Region consists of forested land, followed by grasslands (Fig. 6-25). Compared to other Indiana regions, the Interior Plateau Region has the lowest percentage of agriculture at 13.1% and developed lands at 5.1%. It is the most forested region in the state and has the highest percentage of grasslands. The region is also home to most of Indiana’s karst subterranean systems.

The Interior Plateau Region has experienced changes in habitat coverage over the past ten years. Aquatic systems, barren lands, developed lands, and wetlands increased, and agriculture, grasslands, and forests decreased. These habitats were mostly lost to urban development (Fig. 6-25). Percentage-wise, the greatest losses were seen in the evergreen forest with a 1% decrease and shrublands with a .5% decrease. The greatest increases were seen in the barren lands with a 40.4% increase, medium-intensity developed lands with a 26.7% increase, and high-intensity developed lands with a 18.5% increase.

Figure 6-25. Distribution of land cover and losses and gains in land cover in the Interior Plateau Region between 2001 and 2011.

Region 5 - Interior Plateau

NLC

D L

and

Cove

r

Cultivated Crops

Open Water

Barren Land

All Developed Lands

Open Space

Low Intensity

Medium Intensity

High Intensity

All Forest

Deciduous Forest

Evergreen Forest

Mixed Forest

All Grasslands

Hay/Pasture

Herbaceous

Shrubland

All Wetlands

Woody Wetlands

Herbaceous Wetlands

0 600,000

2001 2011

Acres1,200,000 1,800,000 2,400,000

Region 5 - Interior PlateauN

LCD

Lan

d Co

ver

Cultivated Crops

Open Water

Barren Land

All Developed Lands

Open Space

Low Intensity

Medium Intensity

High Intensity

All Forest

Deciduous Forest

Evergreen Forest

Mixed Forest

All Grasslands

Hay/Pasture

Herbaceous

Shrubland

All Wetlands

Woody Wetlands

Herbaceous Wetlands

Loss Gain

Acres-7,000 -5,000 -3,000 1,000 3,000 5,000-1,000

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Threats Affecting Habitats Top Threat CategoriesThe third element requires the description of threats to SGCN and their habitats. The SWAP identifies a habitat perspective in order to manage for the conservation of species in Indiana. This section utilizes the same hierarchical method of identifying and rating threats based on Salafsky et al. (2008) that was outlined in Chapter V. Category rankings and specific threat rankings for habitats in this region are outlined below (Table 6-14). A full summary of the Habitat Survey results for the Great Lakes Region can be found in Appendix Q.

For first-level threat categories, both residential and commercial development and invasive and other problematic species were rated as significant to moderate threats, while the remaining categories were rated as moderate to minor threats. The invasive and other problematic species and genes category was identified as the top-ranking threat at the regional level. Invasive and alien species was rated as a significant to moderate specific second-level threat, receiving an average rating closer to significant for all habitat types.

Other specific threats in this category were only rated moderate to minor for the region. Residential and commercial development was rated highly for the region and first in developed lands and subterranean systems. Housing and urban areas was rated as the most significant threat for this region and was rated as a significant to moderate threat for the region. Respondents also wrote in free-response threats that connect to transportation and service corridors. One respondent reported that development of an interstate system and major roadways in this region may pose a moderate threat to habitats in this region that may increase in coming years.

Agriculture and aquaculture received a mean rating very close to the significant to moderate threshold threat for the entire region. This category was additionally rated as the most significant for aquatic systems in the region. Conversion of habitat to annual crops was rated as a significant to moderate specific threat for the entire region. The pollution category also identified effluents from various sources, including agriculture, as the only significant to moderate threat within this category for the entire region.

Conversion of habitat was rated as the most significant threat within the natural systems modification category for the entire region. One respondent also reported that coal mining reclamation activities may have environmentally destructive effects for habitats in this region. Human intrusion and disturbance and recreational activities within the human intrusion and disturbance category received moderate to minor threat ratings within this region.

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Transportation and service corridors was rated as a more significant threat for forests and grasslands within this region. Roads and service corridors as a specific threat was rated as a significant to moderate threat for these habitat types. While other stressors, climate change and severe weather, energy production and mining, and biological resource use were rated as moderate to minor threat categories, each contained specific threats that were rated as significant to moderate across the entire region. Both specific threats in other direct stressors, diseases and genetic diversity, were rated in this top threat threshold; however, the diseases category was consistently rated above low genetic diversity in terms of threat significance across all habitat types. All specific threats within climate change and severe weather were classified as significant to moderate for the entire region. Generally, changing frequency, duration, and intensity of drought and shifting and alteration of habitats due to climate change were identified as the top ranked threats for habitats in this region. Increased flooding because of climate change may be more of a concern in subterranean systems and wetlands.

Shale gas development was rated as the most significant threat across habitat types within energy production and mining. Other fossil fuel production may be more significant in aquatic systems, developed lands, and grasslands specifically. Mining and quarrying is the top rated threat in barren lands, subterranean systems, and wetlands.

Table 6-14. Threat category ranking to habitats in the Interior Plateau Region. First-level threat categories are based on the hierarchical method of identifying threats outlined in Salafsky et al. (2008). Ranked threat categories are arranged for the entire region by each major habitat type.

Category

Reg

ion

al R

anki

ng

Aqu

atic

Sys

tem

s

Agr

icul

tura

l Lan

ds

Bar

ren

Lan

ds

Dev

elop

ed L

ands

Fore

sts

Gra

ssla

nds

Subt

erra

nean

Sys

tem

s

Wet

land

s

Invasive and Other Problematic Species and Genes 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 4 2

Residential and Commercial Development 2 3 2 2 1 2 2 1 3

Agriculture and Aquaculture 3 1 3 6 4 3 5 5 6

Pollution 4 4 7 7 2 9 7 2 1

Natural Systems Modification 5 5 4 3 5 8 9 7 4

Human Intrusion and Disturbance 6 6 6 4 6 6 6 3 5

Transportation and Service Corridors 7 7 5 10 8 4 3 6 7

Other Stressors 8 9 9 5 7 7 4 8 10

Climate Change and Severe Weather 9 8 11 8 10 5 10 10 9

Energy Production and Mining 10 10 8 9 9 10 8 9 8

Biological Resource Use 11 11 10 11 11 11 11 11 11

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Top Specific Threats in Ranked OrderIn the Habitat Survey, respondents were also asked to identify specific threats to major habitat types using the same threat category ranking system outlined in Salafsky et al. (2008). These second-level threats represent subcategories of threats within the major threat categories listed in the table above. The following are the top specific second-level threats to habitats in the Interior Plateau Region, aggregated across habitat types:

1. Invasive and alien species2. Conversion of natural habitats to other land uses3. Housing and urban areas4. Conversion of habitat to annual crops5. Agriculture, residential, and forestry effluents6. Commercial and industrial areas7. Household sewage and urban water waste8. Runoff from roads and service corridors9. Point source pollution from commercial and industrial sources10. Annual and perennial non-timber crops

In the Species Survey, respondents were also asked to identify threats to individual SGCN using the same threat category ranking system. The following are the top specific second-level threats to SGCN occurring in the Interior Plateau Region, aggregated across all species:

1. Invasive and alien species2. Natural habitat conversion3. Housing and urban areas4. Conversion of habitat to annual crops5. Commercial and industrial areas6. Annual and perennial non-timber crops7. Dams and water management and use8. Tourism and recreation areas9. Recreation activities10. Livestock farming and ranching

Emerging/Anticipated Threats Respondents were asked specifically to identify any emerging or anticipated threats over the next ten years for fish and wildlife habitats within the major habitat types for a region in a free-response question. A full summary of these results can be found in Appendix Q. For forests in this region, respondents identified as fragmentation, especially as a result of road development, invasion of forest pests, and escape of genetically modified pesticide resistant species as potential invaders as anticipated threats.

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Lack of management for early successional species, as well as changes in dominant species of forests impacting ecological communities are expected to threaten forest habitats in this region. There is growing concern about potential for other invasive plant and animal species as well. Expansion of feral swine populations in the southern part of the state was listed as a potential threat by respondents in this region. Additionally, loss of funding for habitat conservation programs such as CRP were identified as a potential threat.

Conservation Actions Needed Top Action CategoriesThe fourth element requires that the SWAP describe conservation actions proposed to conserve identified species and habitats as well as outlining priorities for their implementation. This section outlines conservation actions identified at the regional level for each of the major habitat types. This section follows the same protocol to rate and rank actions in this region based on Salafsky et al. (2008) that was outlined in Chapter V. A full list of survey results can be found in Appendix Q. Category rankings for actions and specific actions are outlined in the list below (Table 6-15).

Land and water protection, land, water, and species management, education and awareness, and law and policy as categories received ratings, on average, between very and moderately important for this region. Livelihood, economic, and other incentives as well as external capacity received average ratings between moderately important and somewhat important. No category received a mean ranking between somewhat important and not important, indicating the identification of a variety of threats important to conservation of fish and wildlife habitats within this region.

Land and water protection was ranked first regionally and within all land types except for forests. Top actions within this category identified an importance to acquire currently unprotected habitats as well as preserve currently existing corridors between fish and wildlife habitats. Acquiring conservation easements and strengthening CRP partnerships were also ranked as most important for fish and wildlife habitats in grasslands and barren lands respectively.

Land, water, and species management was ranked second regionally, first in forests, and tied for first in agricultural lands. High-ranking actions in this region reflect a need to link habitat blocks, control invasive species, and restore natural systems in a variety of habitat types. Reducing loss of habitat was also identified as a high-ranking action regionally; it also ranked first in aquatic systems, agricultural lands, barren lands, developed lands, and forests within this category. Protecting adjacent buffer zones was also identified as the top ranking action for habitats within subterranean systems.

Education and awareness was ranked third regionally; however, education in general, educational programs for K-12, and training programs for stakeholders were, on average, rated between very important and moderately important. These

188

three actions were ranked first for at least one habitat type within this region, indicating that a combination of them is likely necessary for comprehensive habitat conservation.

Using planning and zoning to reduce urban sprawl was the top ranking action regionally within law and policy. Increasing regulations on invasive species was also identified as the most important specific action for barren lands and forests. Respondents rated compliance and enforcement of current regulations above changing of policies in general but also suggested changes to regulations for sewage and installation of septic systems to benefit aquatic and subterranean systems. Strengthening and enforcing mine reclamation regulations was also emphasized by respondents in the write-in section to be important for protecting fish and wildlife habitats in this region.

While livelihood, economic, and other incentives as well as external capacity building were ranked fifth and sixth regionally, all specific actions in this region were rated as very to moderately important or moderately to somewhat important. Developing both nonmonetary valuation and promoting conservation payments were identified as the highest ranking specific action for habitat types in livelihood, economic, and other incentives in this region. Strengthening conservation financing was also identified as important regionally and within habitat types, as well as promotion of use of research for decision-making for habitat within agricultural lands and development of partnerships and alliances, specifically for forests and wetlands.

Table 6-15. Action category ranking to habitats in the Interior Plateau Region. First-level categories are based on the hierarchical method of identifying actions outlined in Salafsky et al. (2008). Ranked action categories are arranged for the entire region by each major habitat type.

Category

Reg

ion

al R

anki

ng

Aqu

atic

Sys

tem

s

Agr

icul

tura

l Lan

ds

Bar

ren

Lan

ds

Dev

elop

ed L

ands

Fore

sts

Gra

ssla

nds

Subt

erra

nean

Sys

tem

s

Wet

land

s

Land/Water Protection 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1

Land/Water/Species Management 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 3 2

Education and Awareness 3 3 4 4 3 2 3 2 3

Law and Policy 4 4 3 6 4 4 5 4 4

Livelihood, Economic, and Other Incentives 5 5 5 3 5 6 4 5 5

External Capacity Building 6 6 6 5 6 5 6 6 6

Indicates a tie within this habitat type

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Top Specific Actions in Ranked OrderIn the Habitat Survey, respondents were also asked to identify specific actions for major habitat types using the same action category ranking system outlined in Salafsky et al. (2008). These second-level actions represent subcategories of actions within the major action categories listed in the table above.

The following are the top specific second-level conservation actions for habitats in the Interior Plateau Region, aggregated across habitat types:

1. Reducelossoffishandwildlifehabitats(duetoagriculture,urbansprawl,commercial development, etc.)

2. DevelopeducationprogramsspecificallyforK-123. Preserve currently existing corridors4. Develop educational programs in general5. Reduce urban sprawl through planning and zoning6. Acquire conservation easements to protect important wildlife habitats7. Increase regulations on invasive species8. Establish training programs for stakeholders9. Reduce conversion to cropland10. Improve compliance with and enforcement of current policies

The following are top actions for SGCN occurring for the Interior Plateau Region, as summarized from the free-response questions about conservation actions for individual species:

1. Educate and engage with landowners and citizens (especially bat ecology and issues)

2. Implement agricultural practices that improve water quality3. Control invasive plants4. Protect subterranean systems and limit recreational caving5. Enhance connectivity of habitats6. Protect large contiguous forested areas and reduce forest fragmentation7. Use burning and mowing as management techniques in grasslands8. Protect and manage large wetland complexes9. Implement best management practices in forestry10. Protect and restore riparian buffer zones

Prioritization of ActionsIn order to prioritize these actions within an environment of limited resources, respondents were then asked to distribute hypothetical “effort points” to any action they had previously rated as “very important” for any of the major habitat types within a region. The effort ratings were averaged and then ranked to identify the top five actions for each region. A full list of these results can be found in Appendix

190

Q. Priority actions for the Interior Plateau Region include:

1. Reducelossoffishandwildlifehabitats(duetoagriculture,urbansprawl,commercial development, etc.)

2. Control invasive species in forests3. Reduce conversion to cropland4. Strengthenconservationfinancing5. Acquire currently unprotected forests

Overall, land, water, and species management actions like reducing loss of habitat, controlling invasive species, and reducing conversion to cropland were identified as priority actions in this region and reflect an identification of invasive species, development, and agriculture as high-ranking threat categories within this region. Respondents also prioritized an emphasis on forest habitat protection in land/water protection as well as strengthening conservation financing in order to facilitate the successful implementation of these land-based actions.

Threats and Actions by Major Habitat TypeThe following summaries break down threats and conservation actions in this region by major habitat type, based on responses to the Habitat Survey and the Species Survey. The SGCN that occur there, top threats to SGCN, top actions for SGCN, key threats to habitats, and priority actions for each major habitat type in this region are summarized below.

Threats and actions were only included in detail below if a majority of eligible survey respondents, greater than 50%, rated them, to avoid artificially elevating items, which were highly ranked but only by a few respondents. This approach left some threats and action lists with no items for certain habitats, which is illogical from a practical perspective. Therefore, in these situations, the top threats and actions are still listed but are denoted with an asterisk (*) to signify that there may be some items, which seem out-of-place, reflecting a lack of sufficient response for a particular habitat in the survey. This approach and the survey design also caused for some disparities between threats and actions.

Approximately ten items are given for each list below. Lists may be shorter if fewer than ten items were rated by a majority of survey respondents, or longer if there were tires between items.

Top actions for SGCN were summarized from free-response questions about individual species and do not follow the same categorizations as actions for habitats. A full summary of the Habitat Survey responses can be found in Appendix Q.

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Agricultural Lands Agricultural lands are defined as lands devoted to commodity production. Examples of agricultural lands include: intensively managed non-native grasses, row crops, fruit and nut-bearing trees, confined feeding operations, and feedlots.

Top threats to SGCN occurring in agricultural lands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Conversion of habitat to annual crops2. Annual and perennial non-timber crops

Top conservation actions for SGCN occurring in agricultural lands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Educateandengagewithlandownersandcitizens(benefitsallspecies)2. Reduce conversion of farmland to development3. Increase use of CRP partnerships4. Implement agricultural practices that improve water quality5. Maintain shallow-water areas for migrating shorebirds6. Provide incentives to farmers to increase landowner participation

Top threats to fish and wildlife habitats in agricultural lands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Conversion of natural habitats to other land uses2. Invasive and alien species3. Housing and urban areas4. Conversion of habitat to annual crops5. Commercial and industrial areas6. Air pollution7. Roads and railroads8. Runoff from roads and service corridors9. Agriculture, residential, and forestry effluents

Top conservation actions for fish and wildlife habitats in agricultural lands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Reducelossoffishandwildlifehabitats(duetoagriculture,urbansprawl,commercial development, etc.)

2. Promote use of research and science in conservation decision-making processes3. Preserve currently existing corridors4. Reduce conversion to cropland5. Develop and promote farming technologies and practices that have conservation

benefits(e.g.,covercrops,no-till)6. Link existing habitat blocks through corridor enhancement in agricultural lands

192

7. Restore and integrate diversity of habitats into crop-production dominated landscapes

8. Acquire conservation easements to protect important wildlife habitats9. Increase regulations on invasive species10. Reduce urban sprawl through planning and zoning

Aquatic Systems Aquatic systems are defined as all water habitats, both flowing and stationary. Examples of aquatic systems include: manmade impoundments, natural lakes rivers, streams, oxbows, sloughs, embayments, and backwaters (not including wetlands).

Top threats to SGCN occurring in aquatic systems in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Natural habitat conversion2. Conversion of habitat to annual crops3. Dams and water management and use4. Annual and perennial non-timber crops5. Livestock farming and ranching

Top conservation actions for SGCN occurring in aquatic systems in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Enhance public, stakeholder, and landowner education and awareness2. Implement agricultural best management practices to improve water quality3. Protect and restore riparian buffer zones4. Reduce sediment and nutrient loads5. Reduce point and non-point source pollution6. Remove dams7. Clean polluted areas8. Reduce recreational overuse9. Restore floodplains10. Reduce bank erosion11. Limit bycatch of Hellbenders12. Prohibit take of Mussels

Top threats to fish and wildlife habitats in aquatic systems in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Conversion of natural habitats to other land uses2. Invasive and alien species3. Agriculture, residential, and forestry effluents4. Household sewage and urban water waste5. Changing frequency, duration, and intensity of drought

193

6. Point source pollution from commercial and industrial sources7. Conversion of habitat to annual crops8. Dams and water management and use9. Runoff from roads and service corridors10. Changing frequency, duration, and intensity of floods

Top conservation actions for fish and wildlife habitats in aquatic systems in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Reducelossoffishandwildlifehabitats(duetoagriculture,urbansprawl,commercial development, etc.)

2. Develop education programs in general3. Develop and promote farming technologies and practices that have conservation

benefits(e.g.,covercrops,no-till)4. Reduce nutrient and toxin loads (e.g., heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers,

insecticides)5. Preserve currently existing corridors6. DevelopeducationprogramsspecificallyforK-127. Establish training programs for stakeholders8. Strengthenconservationfinancing9. Improve compliance with and enforcement of current policies10. Acquire conservation easements to protect important wildlife habitats

Barren Lands Barren lands are defined as lands dominated by exposed rock or minerals with sparse vegetation. Examples of barren lands include: sand/dunes, rock outcrops, cliffs, and bare rock.

Top threats to SGCN occurring in barren lands in the Interior Plateau Region:*

1. Natural habitat conversion2. Housing and urban areas3. Conversion of habitat to annual crops4. Tourism and recreation areas5. Recreation activities6. Dams and water management and use

Top conservation actions for SGCN occurring in barren lands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Educate public about Peregrine Falcon2. Protect Bald Eagle nest sites3. Protect rocky cliff habitat for the Eastern Small-footed Myotis and Green Salamander4. Establish corridors between Allegheny Woodrat habitat

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Top threats to fish and wildlife habitats in barren lands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Invasive and alien species 2. Problematic native species (e.g. overabundant native deer or algae)3. Plant diseases 4. Housing and urban areas 5. Commercial and industrial areas

Top conservation actions for fish and wildlife habitats in barren lands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Establish training programs for stakeholders2. Promote conservation payment programs (e.g., payment for ecosystem services,

conservation easements)3. Promote nonmonetary values of natural systems within the state4. Managerecreationalopportunitiestobecompatiblewithfishandwildlifehabitats5. Link existing habitat blocks through corridor enhancement in barren lands6. Protect adjacent buffer zones7. Re-establish natural disturbance regimes in barren lands8. Restore habitats and natural systems in barren lands9. DevelopeducationprogramsspecificallyforK-12

Developed Lands Developed lands are defined as highly impacted lands intensively modified to support human habitation, transportation, commerce, and recreation. Examples of developed lands include: urban lands, suburban lands, industrial areas, commercial areas, towers for communication and wind power generation, and recreational areas such as golf courses and soccer fields.

Top threats to SGCN occurring in developed lands in the Interior Plateau Region:*

1. Renewable energy production2. Invasive and alien species3. Diseases from domestic populations and unknown sources4. Fossil fuel energy production5. Mining and quarrying

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Top conservation actions for SGCN occurring in developed lands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Public education and awareness regarding bat ecology and issues2. Reduce urban sprawl and commercial property expansion3. Manage urban areas for peregrine falcons; minimize disturbance during nesting4. Increase gravel-surfaced rooftop habitat for breeding common nighthawks5. Mitigate road hazards for wildlife6. Limit mowing along roads

Top threats to fish and wildlife habitats in developed lands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Invasive and alien species2. Conversion of natural habitats to other land uses3. Conversion of habitat to annual crops4. Housing and urban areas5. Commercial and industrial areas6. Problematic native species7. Recreation activities (e.g., ATVs, trail use, horseback riding, high-speed boating,

canoeing)8. Plant diseases9. Garbage and solid waste10. Household sewage and urban water waste

Top conservation actions for fish and wildlife habitats in developed lands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Preserve currently existing corridors2. Reducelossoffishandwildlifehabitats(duetoagriculture,urbansprawl,

commercial development, etc.)3. Reduce urban sprawl through planning and zoning4. Reduce nutrient and toxin loads5. Restore and integrate diversity of habitats into developed landscapes6. IncreaseacresenrolledintheClassifiedForestandWildlandsProgram7. Develop education programs in general8. DevelopeducationprogramsspecificallyforK-129. Increase regulations on invasive species10. Set private sector standards and codes

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Forests Forests are defined as a plant community dominated by trees. Examples of forests include, but are not limited to, all stages of natural forest and plantations.

Top threats to SGCN occurring in forests in the Interior Plateau Region:*

1. Housing and urban areas2. Natural habitat conversion3. Invasive and alien species4. Commercial and industrial areas5. Diseases from domestic populations and unknown sources6. Tourism and recreation areas7. Problematic native species8. Over-mowing of natural areas

Top conservation actions for SGCN occurring in forests in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Protect large contiguous forested areas and reduce forest fragmentation2. Limit conversion of forests to non-forest land uses3. Control invasive woody plants in the understory4. Reduce development in forested areas5. Protect roost trees for bat species6. Restore forests and woodlands7. Create small forest openings to increase diversity8. Implement best management practices in forestry9. Re-establish bottomland hardwood forests10. Manage forests adjacent to rocky habitat11. Manage for healthy forest edge habitats

Top threats to fish and wildlife habitats in forests in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Invasive and alien species2. Conversion of natural habitats to other land uses3. Housing and urban areas4. Conversion of habitat to annual crops5. Roads and railroads6. Plant diseases7. Problematic native species

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Top conservation actions for fish and wildlife habitats in forests in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Preserve currently existing corridors2. Control invasive species in forests3. Acquire currently unprotected forests4. Acquire conservation easements to protect important wildlife habitats5. Restore habitats and natural systems in forests6. Increase regulations on invasive species7. Promote diversity of forest types and successional stages8. Reducelossoffishandwildlifehabitats(duetoagriculture,urbansprawl,

commercial development, etc.)9. Reduce urban sprawl through planning and zoning10. DevelopeducationprogramsspecificallyforK-12

Grasslands Grasslands are defined as an open area dominated by grass species. Examples of grasslands include: haylands, pasture, prairies, savannahs, or reclaimed mine lands.

Top threats to SGCN occurring in grasslands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Conversion of habitat to annual crops2. Annual and perennial non-timber crops

Top conservation actions for SGCN occurring in grasslands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Restore and improve connectivity of grasslands2. Maintain large tracts of grasslands3. Reduce woody encroachment on grasslands4. Increase CRP grasslands5. Implement burning regimes6. Minimize disturbance to nesting grassland birds (e.g., Henslow’s Sparrow)7. Mow properly (reduce mowing for shorebirds and owls)8. Acquire conservation easements.9. Improve grazing practices10. Protectlow,wetfields,andmeadows

Top threats to fish and wildlife habitats in grasslands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Housing and urban areas2. Commercial and industrial areas3. Conversion of habitat to annual crops

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4. Roads and railroads5. Invasive and alien species6. Annual and perennial non-timber crops7. Livestock farming and ranching

Top conservation actions for fish and wildlife habitats in grasslands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Reduce urban sprawl through planning and zoning2. Reducelossoffishandwildlifehabitats(duetoagriculture,urbansprawl,

commercial development, etc.)3. Develop education programs in general4. DevelopeducationprogramsspecificallyforK-125. Acquire currently unprotected grasslands6. Acquire conservation easements to protect important wildlife habitats7. Re-establish natural disturbance regimes in grasslands8. Restore habitats and natural systems in grasslands9. Set private sector standards and codes10. Improve compliance with and enforcement of current policies11. Promote conservation payment programs (e.g., payment for ecosystem services,

conservation easements)

Subterranean Systems Subterranean systems are defined as connecting underground rooms and passages beyond natural light penetration. Examples of subterranean systems include: underground waters, above and below the water table, and terrestrial air-filled habitats ranging from large caves to interstitial crevices below soil horizons.

Top Threats to SGCN Occurring in Subterranean Systems in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Invasive and Alien species

Top conservation actions for SGCN occurring in subterranean systems in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Protect subterranean systems2. Limit recreational caving3. Protect bat hibernacula

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Top threats to fish and wildlife habitats in subterranean systems in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Invasive and alien species 2. Runoff from roads and service corridors 3. Conversion of natural habitats to other land uses 4. Agriculture, residential, and forestry effluents 5. Housing and urban areas 6. Commercial and industrial areas 7. Roads and railroads 8. Chemical spills 9. Household sewage and urban water waste

Top conservation actions for fish and wildlife habitats in subterranean systems in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. DevelopeducationprogramsspecificallyforK-122. Protect adjacent buffer zones3. Acquire currently unprotected subterranean systems4. Develop education programs in general5. Control invasive species in subterranean systems6. Reducelossoffishandwildlifehabitats(duetoagriculture,urbansprawl,

commercial development, etc.)7. Acquire conservation easements8. Strengthenconservationfinancing9. Reduce nutrient and toxin loads10. Promote nonmonetary values of natural systems within the state

Wetlands Wetlands are defined as either ephemeral or permanently flooded habitat. Examples of wetlands include: swamps, marshes, bogs, fens, potholes, wetlands of farmed areas, and mudflats.

Top threats to SGCN occurring in wetlands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Invasive and alien species2. Natural habitat conversion3. Conversion of habitat to annual crops4. Annual and perennial non-timber crops5. Dams and water management and use

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Top conservation actions for SGCN occurring in wetlands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Protect and maintain large wetlands complexes2. Restore wetlands3. Improve water quality4. Protect buffers around wetlands5. Control invasive plants in wetlands6. Mitigate road hazards to amphibians and reptiles when roads cross over wetlands7. Minimize disturbance to nesting turtles8. Provide stopover and roosting habitat for cranes and shorebirds9. Conserve ephemeral wetlands10. Connect wetlands with surrounding upland habitat

Top threats to fish and wildlife habitats in wetlands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Conversion of natural habitats to other land uses2. Invasive and alien species3. Housing and urban areas4. Commercial and industrial areas5. Conversion of habitat to annual crops6. Point source pollution from commercial and industrial sources7. Annual and perennial non-timber crops8. Air pollution9. Agriculture, residential, and forestry effluents

Top conservation actions for fish and wildlife habitats in wetlands in the Interior Plateau Region:

1. Acquire currently unprotected wetlands2. Reduce urban sprawl through planning and zoning3. Restore habitats and natural systems in wetlands4. DevelopeducationprogramsspecificallyforK-125. Improve compliance with and enforcement of current policies6. Reduce conversion to cropland7. Develop and promote farming technologies and practices that have conservation

benefits(e.g.,covercrops,no-till)8. Improve drainage management9. Protect adjacent buffer zones10. Preserve currently existing corridors